The expression describes a philosophical problem involving infinite regress, often used to illustrate the difficulty of finding a fundamental explanation. On the social media platform Reddit, this concept is applied humorously or seriously in discussions where users delve into increasingly complex or layered arguments, theories, or observations. It signifies a situation where attempts to provide a foundation only lead to further questions and a potentially endless cycle of explanations.
The concept provides a framework for understanding hierarchical systems and the challenges of establishing ultimate origins or truths. Its application on Reddit fosters both critical thinking and humorous self-awareness regarding the nature of knowledge and belief. Users employ the phrase to highlight the potential absurdity of chasing down absolute answers in intricate debates or to acknowledge the subjective and relative nature of many perspectives.
